Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written 13 published books. Eleven are in the genre of epic fantasy. One was a horror novel. The third was nonfiction.
I grew up on the shores of western Florida and spent much of my childhood swimming in shark-infested waters long before the movie “Jaws” put a scare into everyone. At the time, I was too skinny to attract a bull shark’s attention. About ten other boys my age lived on my same street, and we hung out morning, noon and night playing the usual sports that young boys love — football, baseball, “kill the carrier,” etc. — but as a group we also played fantastical games that contained magic, monsters and superheroes. It was in this setting that my imagination was born and nurtured.
I lived in western Florida until about 20 years ago. My wife and I now live in the mountains in Upstate South Carolina.
I have owned many dogs and cats during my life, but I currently have just one gray cat who rules our 15 acres with an iron paw.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Do You Believe in Monsters? is book 2 of my teen fantasy adventure series titled Dark Circles.
Do You Believe in Monsters” is a full-blown launch into a fantasy realm loaded with magic, monsters, courageous acts, and a dash of sweet romance. When Charlie Magus enters a fantastical world hidden deep in the forest, his life is turned upside down.
The timid 13-year-old transforms into a powerful wizard wielding formidable magic.
In the real world, life goes on as usual. But in the fantasy world, a war is brewing that will dwarf all others. Charlie’s newfound powers stand between victory and defeat.
But in which world does he truly belong?
Dark Circles is an adventure of epic scope. Only those with a hero’s heart will dare to stand at Charlie’s side as he battles an army of monsters led by an evil being of immense power.
I began writing book 1 (Do You Believe in Magic?) in February 2023 and published it in May 2023. I finished book 2 in early October and published it at the end of that month. Book 3 will debut in February 2024.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I try to write every single day regardless of what else is going on. I do most of my writing in the evening after dinner, and I do most of my editing in the afternoon after lunch.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m sure that most authors would say that there are too many to mention, and the same is true for me. But I have always been a huge fan of J.R.R. Tolkien and Stephen King.
One of the best novels I’ve read more recently is The Overstory by Richard Powers.
What are you working on now?
I am now writing the third book of my trilogy titled Dark Circles. Book 3 is titled Do You Believe in Miracles?. I am about 60,000 words into the first draft and hope to publish it no later than March 2024.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As a self-published author, you need to have a solid platform: updated website, newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. But promotional sites such as Book Barbarian have produced my best sales. These can get pricey, though, so you have to create a balance between what you spend and what you make in return.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t wait for the muse to strike. Keep a calendar of when and where you’re going to write and update the calendar at the start of each week. Or at least establish a daily writing time: 5-7 a.m. or 8-10 p.m., etc. And then STICK TO IT, no matter what is happening or how you’re feeling, which means some days you’ll need to permit yourself to write crap that can later be cleaned up in the revision process.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Learn everything you can about the nuances of point of view. Nothing will scream “amateur” more quickly than someone who misuses point of view.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. It’s a clever little book and highly entertaining.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I complete my Dark Circles trilogy, I’m going to take a month off from writing and then either write something new or revisit some past projects that are in various stages of development.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Rabbit, Run by John Updike. The quality of the writing is beyond superb.
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